What’s the latest on Marc-Andre Fleury in today’s NHL rumors? Is he the primary target for some teams at different ends of the NHL spectrum?
Any news on a possible Kevin Fiala trade? Will the Boston Bruins announce their next head coach today? Finally, could the Pittsburgh Penguins lose both Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang in a free hand?
Devil and Avalanche to hunt down Fleury?
According to NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, the New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche are believed to be two teams actively pursuing free-agent goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. He writes:
I like the New Jersey Devils, but would the 37-year-old goalie want to move to a team that isn’t quite ready for a Stanley Cup run if there’s a chance he could sign with the Colorado Avalanche? Like Fleury, Darcy Kuemper is a pending unrestricted free agent. If the Avalanche lets Kuemper hit the market when it opens on July 13th, Fleury could be their #1 destination.
Rosen notes that the Avalanche will want to repeat as champions and will try to get best keeper, even if that means letting Darcy Kuemper go to get Fleury. The Devils need a starter and stable veteran who can communicate and have fun with a younger team. They like the idea of everyone gathering around Fleury.
Fiala situation close to resolution
After Elliot Friedman“A few other notes to keep in mind: Sounds like things are getting tougher on the Kevin Fiala front and we might get some clarity on the BOS coaching situation today.” We’ll next respond to the Bruins’ coaching news, but when it comes to Fiala, speculation is a trade that could come down.
Related: NHL Rumors: Canucks, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Canadiens
The Devils have been interested in the player since talks of a potential trade began. Some are wondering if Fiala is going to the Philadelphia Flyers in a package involving Ivan Provorov.
Bruins announce coaches?
According to some reports, there should be news that the Bruins are announcing their next manager. A number of reports suggest that David Quinn is the front runner. Most recently, he was the head coach of Team USA at the Olympic Games. others like Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports that Pittsburgh Penguins assistant Mike Vellucci was interviewed twice for the job.
Penguins about to lose Malkin and Letang?
The Score’s Josh Wegman cites a report by The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, who notes that sources close to the Pittsburgh Penguins say the team has been in talks to extend Evgeni Malkin’s contract since mid-May. There are many inside and outside the organization who believe he will not return.
John writes:
Numerous agents have told me that after discussions with Penguin general manager Ron Hextall, they believe Evgeni Malkin is unlikely to return to Pittsburgh. Some people I’ve spoken to in the Penguins organization feel the same way.
Source – “What I Hear About the Penguins: Malkin, Letang, Hextall, Trocheck and JT Miller” – Josh Yohe – The Athletic – 06/28/2022
Yohe also notes that the Penguins could lose defender Kris Letang in a contract length dispute. The Penguins have offered him a three-year deal. The 35-year-old wants a five-year deal worth over $8 million a year. The penguins are unlikely to leave for so long and for so much money. Yohe writes: “Both sides have to make a little compromise to achieve this. But make no mistake, Hextall wants to sign Letang.”
Both Malkin and Letang could hit the open market on July 13.
Jim Parsons is a senior freelance THW writer, part-time journalist, and audio/video host who lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes NHL news and rumor while also writing features about the Edmonton Oilers. He’s been a trusted source at The Hockey Writers for more than five years, but beyond that, his mission is to keep readers up to date with the latest NHL gossip and tech talk. Jim is a daily must-read for readers who want to be “in the loop.”
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